Another result of the claims study process is the restriction of coverage in “areas” that tend to have the most claims.

If and when insurers determine a particular type of loss is overly common, either by frequency or severity, they may apply coverage restrictions to try to limit their losses…particularly if the coverage in question is not something that’s common “across the board” for all insured.

One such example is the homeowner’s policy personal property sub-limit section. Using the example above, the average homeowner is likely under the impression their home’s contents (also referred to as personal property) are covered up to $100,000 no matter what.

It seems at some point, insurers determined that there are certain “target” items in most homes that are pinpointed by thieves. You may be able to guess a few of those items without needing to read any further.

Insurance companies (all of them) place sub-limits of coverage on these particular items. No matter what your “Personal Property” limit is on your policy, these items are only covered for a pre-determined amount, and it’s much less.

Money, Gold, Coins – Coverage for these items is typically limited to $200 on a homeowner’s policy.

Water craft, trailers, jewelry, watches, furs, precious and semi-precious stones – You likely have a sub-limit of $1,500 on these items for this particular cause of loss (theft).

Firearms – Your personal weapons arsenal is covered for $2,500 on most policies.

Silverware – Also covered for $2,500 on the typical policy.

Business property (on premises) – Again, $2,500 is a common limit for this property.

Business property (off premises) – Take your show on the road and you may be limited to $500 in coverage if it’s stolen.

How Can I Get The Right Amount of Coverage?

This is, of course, the next logical question. All insurers will offer additional coverage for these items for an additional insurance premium. You have the option to purchase a flat amount of additional coverage or you can “schedule” items of particularly high value.

The cost varies by insurer, but is normally calculated at a fixed amount per $100 of value. For example, jewelry may be covered at $.40 per $100 of value.

Your $5,000 diamond ring may cost an additional $20 per year to cover. This is expressed as $5,000/$100 x $.40.

Remember though, a $5,000 ring already has $1,500 worth of coverage, so only an additional $3,500 in coverage may be necessary – if that’s the only piece of jewelry you own.

You also have the option to purchase a personal articles floater policy (PAF), which will insure your valuables for more money and against more causes of loss.

For example, the PAF will cover your items anywhere in the world, and may even offer coverage against a diamond coming loose and falling out of its setting – which is certainly not covered on the traditional homeowner’s policy.

First time you heard of this? If it is; contact your insurance agent immediately and request information about your specific policy’s coverage limits for these items.

It may be necessary to purchase the additional coverage to protect yourself against the financial loss resulting from the lack of current coverage.